Stuurman

Stuurman is the Dutch term for the person who steers a vessel and is responsible for maintaining its course, usually under the supervision of the captain or the officer on watch. The word combines sturen (to steer) with man (man). In everyday nautical use, a stuurman refers to the helmsman on a boat or ship, whether on open sea, on inland waterways, or in port.

On most ships, steering the vessel and maintaining the intended course are among the duties of the deck crew on the bridge. The stuurman handles the helm (the wheel or tiller) and coordinates with the engine room to adjust speed, following navigational instructions and orders from the officer on watch. In harbor or pilotage situations, a local pilot (loods) may take navigation control, while the stuurman continues to execute steering as directed.

The role is attached to formal training and certification under national and international maritime regulations. In many countries, aspiring stuurmannen must obtain appropriate licenses and meet minimum experience and medical standards, in line with the STCW convention.

The term is common in Dutch maritime discourse and may be used metaphorically to indicate someone who guides or directs a project, organization, or initiative.